Metal roofing light transmitting panel

Abstract

A light transmitting panel of the type for connecting within a metal roofing system is provided. The light transmitting panel includes a translucent panel, a metal panel and a linear coefficient buffer therebetween to allow the repective panels to expand and contract with respect to the other without loss of containment or seal. The light transmitting panel is formed so as to substantially match the configuration and the strength characteristics of the roofing system into which it is installed.

We claim:  
     
       1. A light transmitting panel for use in a metal roof system, said light transmitting panel comprising: 
       a metal panel comprising a planar lateral section, and a side rail extending from each side of said planar lateral section and said metal panel having at least one lipless opening therein,  
       a translucent section comprising a planar lateral section, wherein a side rail extends from each side of said planer lateral section, and  
       a linear coefficient buffer is disposed between said translucent section and said metal panel.  
     
     
       2. The light transmitting panel of  claim 1 , wherein: 
       said linear coefficient buffer is selected from the group consisting of adhesives, adhesive gaskets and adhesive rubber, and adhesive foam.  
     
     
       3. The light transmitting panel of  claim 2 , wherein: 
       said linear coefficient buffer is a chemical adhesive.  
     
     
       4. The light transmitting panel of  claim 3 , wherein: 
       said linear coefficient buffer is an adhesive gasket.  
     
     
       5. The light transmitting panel of  claim 4 , wherein: 
       said linear coefficient buffer is in the range of 0.5 mil-20 mil. in thickness.  
     
     
       6. The light transmitting panel of  claim 5 , wherein: 
       said linear coefficient buffer is in the range of 2 mil-10 mil. in thickness.  
     
     
       7. A light transmitting panel for use in a metal roof system, said light transmitting panel comprising: 
       a translucent section having a lateral planar portion and an angled portion extending from said lateral planar portion; and  
       a metal side rail having a first horizontal portion and a first angled portion, said side rail being adapted for connection to an adjacent side rail;  
       wherein said side rail is connected by a linear coefficient buffer between at least said lateral planar portion and said angled portion of said translucent section and said first horizontal portion and said first angled portion of said side rail.  
     
     
       8. The light transmitting panel  claim 7 , wherein: 
       said side rails are adapted for rolling connection to said adjacent side rails.  
     
     
       9. The light transmitting panel of  claim 8 , wherein: 
       said linear coefficient buffer is selected from the group consisting of adhesives, adhesive gaskets, and adhesive rubber, and adhesive foam.  
     
     
       10. The light transmitting panel of  claim 7 , wherein: 
       a portion of said translucent section is made of a thermoset material.  
     
     
       11. The light transmitting panel of  claim 10 , wherein: 
       said thermoset material is fiberglass.